Toy that provides an indication when an end user consumes a consumable substance

ABSTRACT

A toy that activates an indicator while an end user consumes an edible substance. The toy includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are connected to the indicator. An electrical path is created between the first and second electrodes while the end user is consuming the consumable substance to close an electrical circuit with the indicator. The closed circuit activates the indicator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.08/866,561, filed May 30, 1997, which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 08/626,292, filed Apr. 1, 1996 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sound emitting and/or illuminated toy"ice pop".

2. Description of Related Art

Toys which provide an element of mystery to a child have beencommercially successful. One such type of toy was a doll marketed byDSI, Inc. under the trademark ROSIE. ROSIE would speak when an enduser(s) held both of the doll's hands. The hands each had an electrodethat were coupled to a sound generating device within the doll. Bygrasping the doll's hands the end user provided a switch thatelectrically coupled the electrodes. The coupled electrodes closed acircuit within the doll so that the sound generating device produced asound.

Tiger Electronics and Captoys, Inc. have both marketed sound producingwands under the trademarks BUBBLE BOPPER and MUSICAL BUBBLE TUNES,respectively. The wands each had electrodes that were coupled to a soundgenerating device. The end user would create a liquid bubble and thentry to place the electrodes in contact with the bubble. When in contactwith the wand, the liquid bubble would provide a medium thatelectrically coupled the electrodes so that the sound device generated asound.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,748 issued to Schlotter, IV et al. discloses anovelty flashlight which illuminates a piece of candy when the end userdepresses a button on a handle of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A toy that activates an indicator while an end user consumes aconsumable substance. The toy includes a first electrode and a secondelectrode that are connected to the indicator. An electrical path iscreated between the first and second electrodes while the end user isconsuming the consumable substance to close an electrical circuit withthe indicator. The closed circuit activates the indicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become morereadily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewingthe following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a circuit of the toy device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an end user operating the toydevice;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a liquid being poured into a mold;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a substrate being inserted into themold;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an alternate embodiment of the toydevice;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a toy of the present invention;

FIG. 7a is a perspective view showing the toy attached to a straightstraw;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the toy of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternate embodiment of thetoy;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the toy;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the toy of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a toy that supports a piece of candy;

FIG. 13a is an exploded view of a handle of the toy shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 13b is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the toy shownin FIG. 13a;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the toyshown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a utensil which has a pair ofelectrodes;

FIG. 16 is an alternate embodiment of the utensil shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the toydevice attached to a container;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the toy device being used by anend user;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an alternate embodiment of the toydevice;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an alternate embodiment of the toydevice;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a toy device that is attached to acan;

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the toy device and can of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a toy devicethat is attached to a can;

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the toy device and can of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a toy deviceattached to a can;

FIG. 26 is perspective view of a toy device that is coupled to apopsicle;

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the toy device and popsicle of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a toothbrush which has a pair ofelectrodes;

FIG. 29 is a sectional view of a toy device which has a pair of internalchannels;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a switch activated toy device;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 30 showing the switchin a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numbers, FIG. 1shows a toy device 10 of the present invention. The toy device 10includes a frozen liquid 12 that is coupled to a handle 14. The device12 has a first electrode 16 located on an outer surface of the handle14. The first electrode 16 is preferably concentric with a button 18that can be depressed by the end user. The device 12 also contains asecond electrode 20 that is located within a cavity 22 that is definedby an annular lip 24 of the handle 14. Mounted to a base 26 of thecavity 22 is a light bulb 28. The handle 14 is typically constructedfrom a low cost molded plastic material. The electrodes 16 and 20 aretypically constructed from an electrically conductive material such ascopper.

The frozen liquid 12 is preferably a flavored water based substancetypically used to form "popcicles" that can be licked and consumed by anend user. The frozen liquid 12 is supported by a substrate 30. Thesubstrate 30 includes a tab 32 that extends from a base plate 34. Thetab 32 preferably contains holes 36 that increase the adhesion of thefrozen liquid 12 to the substrate during the formation of the frozenelement 12. The base plate 34 has a plurality of holes 38 that allow thesecond electrode 20 to come into contact with the frozen liquid 12 whenthe substrate 30 is inserted into the cavity 22.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic of the electrical system of the toy device 10.The handle 14 contains a sound generating device 40 and a speaker 42that can generate and emit sounds from the device 10. The soundgenerating device 40 can be a sound generating integrated circuit(s)mounted to a printed circuit board as is known in the art. The device 40can generate a series of different sounds to increase the complexity ofthe toy 10. For example, the device 40 may generate a "whoop" sound,followed by a "quack" sound. The device 10 also contains a battery 44that powers the sound generating device 40 and the speaker 42. Thebattery 44 is typically a 1.5 or 3 volt device that can be installed byremoving a cover (not shown) located at the bottom of the handle 14.

The first electrode 16 is connected to the sound device 40 by line 46.The battery 44 is connected to the second electrode 20 by line 48. Thesound generating device 40 receives power and generates sound when thefirst electrode 16 is electrically coupled to the second electrode 20.The light bulb 28 is coupled to the battery 44 by the button 18. Thelight bulb 28 emits a beam of light into the frozen liquid 12 when thebutton 18 is depressed and the circuit is closed to connect the battery44 to the bulb 28.

As shown in FIG. 3, the toy device 10 is operated by an end user whograbs the handle 14 and licks the frozen liquid 12. The hand of the enduser is in contact with the first electrode 16. The tongue of the enduser is electrically coupled to the second electrode 20 by the frozenliquid 12. The end user and frozen liquid 12 electrically couple thefirst electrode 16 to the second electrode 20 so that the soundgenerating device 40 and speaker 42 emit a sound(s). The toy device 10will emit a sound each time the end user licks the frozen liquid 12,thereby providing an element of surprise and mystery in using the toy.The end user can also depress the button 18 to illuminate the frozenliquid while licking the device 10.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a preferred method of forming the frozen liquid 12.The liquid substance 50 is poured into an inner cavity 52 of a mold 54.The mold 54 is supported by a stand 56. The mold 54 is preferablyconstructed from a flexible resilient material which can be readilydetached from the frozen liquid after formation, and used for thecreation of another frozen element. The substrate 30 is inserted intothe inner cavity 52 while the substance 50 is in the liquid state. Themold 54, liquid 50 and substrate 30 are then placed in a refrigerationunit to change the phase of the substance to a solid state. The mold 54and frozen liquid 12 are lifted from the stand 56 and the mold 54 isthen peeled away from the frozen item 12. The substrate 30 can then besnapped into the handle 14 to assembly the toy device 10.

FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of the toy device 10' whichutilizes a liquid 60 and the end user to couple the first 16 and second20 electrodes of the handle 14. The liquid 60 is located within a cup 62which has a contact 64 that is in contact with the second electrode 20.The cup 62 is preferably constructed from a transparent material so thatthe liquid can be illuminated by the light bulb 28. When the end userdrinks the liquid, the user and liquid create an electrical path betweenthe electrodes 16 and 20, so that the sound generating device 40 andspeaker 42 emit a sound.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other modifications mayoccur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. By way of example, thecircuit can be varied so that the toy illuminates the frozen liquid whenthe end user licks the frozen item. As a further alternate embodiment,the toy can both illuminate the frozen liquid and emit a sound when theend user licks the frozen item. Additionally the toy device may beconstructed without the electrodes, wherein the device illuminates thefrozen item by depressing the button 18, and/or emits a sound when thebutton 18 is depressed.

FIGS. 7, 7a and 8 show a toy 100 of the present invention. The toy 100may be attached to a conventional or twisted straw 102 that is placedinto a container 104 which has a liquid 106. The toy straw 100 includesa housing 108 which has an inner channel 110 that is in fluidcommunication with the liquid 106 within the container 104. The housing108 may have a port 111 that receives the end of the conventional straw102.

Located within the inner channel 110 is a first electrode 112 and asecond electrode 114. One of the electrodes 112 or 114 is connected toan indicator 116. The indicator 116 may be a sound generating devicesuch as a "sound chip" 118 that is coupled to a speaker 120. The speaker120 and chip 118 generate a sound when the indicator 116 is activated.Alternatively, the indicator 116 may be a light source that emits a beamof light when activated. As yet another alternative, the indicator 116may include both a light source and a sound generating device.

The housing 108 may include batteries 122 that are electricallyconnected to the indicator 116 and one of the electrodes 112 or 114. Thehousing 108 can be constructed from a plastic material such as highimpact styrene or polypropylene that is molded about both the indicator116 and the batteries 122.

In operation, the end user draws the liquid 106 through the innerchannel 110 of the toy 100 and past the electrodes 112 and 114. Theliquid within the inner channel 110 creates an electrical path betweenthe electrodes 112 and 114. The electrical path closes the circuit andactivates the indicator 116.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment wherein the housing 108' has asecond port 124 that can receive another conventional straw 126. Thestraw 126 can be pulled out of the housing 108' and replaced withanother straw. The housing 108' can therefore be reused withoutrequiring that the end user come into contact with the housing 108'. Thehousing 108' includes the first 112 and second 114 electrodes and anindicator (not shown).

FIGS. 10 and 11 show another embodiment of a toy 130. The toy 130includes a housing 132 which has a first electrode 133 and a secondelectrode 134. The electrodes 132 and 134 are coupled to an indicator136 which may be a light source or a sound generating device. Thehousing 132 is attached to a conventional straw 138 which has an innerchannel 140 and an outer surface 142. The channel 140 and outer surface142 extend from a proximal end 144 to a distal end 146 of the straw 138.The first electrode 132 includes a conductive strip 148 that extendsalong the outer surface to the proximal end 144 of the straw 130. Thesecond electrode 134 includes a conductive strip 150 that extends to thedistal end 146.

The indicator 136 is activated when the end user makes contact with theconductive strip 148 and draws liquid through the inner channel of thestraw 138 to create an electrical path between the first 132 and second134 electrodes. The strips 148 and 150, liquid, and end user create anelectrical path between the electrodes 132 and 134.

FIGS. 12 and 13a show a toy 160 which supports an edible substance suchas a piece of hard candy 162. The toy 160 includes a handle 164 whichhas a first electrode 166 and a second electrode 168. The electrodes 166and 168 are coupled to an indicator 170. The indicator 170 may include asound generating device 172, batteries 174 and battery contacts 176.Alternatively, the indicator 170 may be a light source (not shown), or alight source and the sound generating device 172.

The candy 162 is attached to an anchor 178 that is mounted to the handle164. A metal foil 180 can be placed between the candy 162 and the baseof the anchor 178. The anchor 178 has an aperture 182 that allowscontact between the second electrode 168 and the foil 180 to create anelectrical path between the candy 162 and the electrode 168. The toy 160may include a removable cap 184 that protects the candy 162.

In operation, the end user grabs the first contact 166 and licks thecandy 162. Although the present invention is not limited to such atheory of operation, it is believed that saliva deposited onto the candyby the end user creates an electrical path between the foil 180 and theuser. When the end user makes contact with the candy, the user, salivaand foil 180 create an electrical path between the electrodes 166 and168 and activate the indicator 170.

FIG. 13b shows an alternate embodiment of the toy 160' which has areplaceable indicator cartridge 186. The indicator 186 may include asound generating integrated circuit (not shown) that is mounted to aprinted circuit board 188 and enclosed by an encapsulant 189. Thecircuit board 188 may have a plurality of conductive contacts that pluginto a corresponding card edge connector located within the handle 164'to couple the sound generating circuit to the electrodes 166 and 168.

FIG. 14 shows an alternate embodiment of a toy 190. The toy 190 includesa first electrode 192 and a second electrode 194 that are connected toan indicator 196 by wires 197. The indicator 196 may be a soundgenerating device and/or a light source. The first electrode 192 isconnected to an anchor 198 that supports an edible substance such as apiece of candy 200. The second electrode 194 is attached to a handle202.

The anchor 198 and toy handle 202 are constructed so that the candy 200can pivot within the handle 202. Movement of the candy 200 creates anelectrical contact between the electrodes 192 and 194, and activates theindicator 196. By way of example, the candy 200 may pivot about a gimbal204 incorporated into the handle 202. When the end user licks the candy,the force of the tongue creates a moment that pivots the anchor 198 tocreate an electrical contact between the electrodes and activates theindicator 196.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a toy utensil 210 which has a pair of electrodes212 and 214 that are connected to an indicator (not shown). Theindicator is activated when the end user grabs the electrode 212 andplaces the electrode 214 within their mouth. The embodiment shown inFIG. 15 allows contiguous contact between the user and the electrode214. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 food placed within the spoon isalso part of the electrical path so that when the end user consumes thefood the indicator is activated.

FIG. 17 is a toy device 220 which can be attached to an existingcontainer 222. The container 222 contains a consumable substance 224such as a liquid. The device 220 includes a first electrode 226 and asecond electrode 228 that are attached to a housing 230. The secondelectrode 228 extends into the consumable substance 224. The housing 230is typically constructed from a plastic material that is molded into ashape which can be placed onto the lip of the container 222. The housing230 contains an indicator 232 which emits a sound and/or light when theelectrodes 226 and 228 are electrical connected.

As shown in FIG. 18 the device 220 is operated by an end user cominginto contact with the first electrode 226 and consuming the consumablesubstance from the container 222. The end user closes an electrical pathbetween the electrodes 226 and 228 and activates the indicator 232.Although a glass container is shown and described, it is to beunderstood that the container may be a bowl or other device that is usedto hold a consumable substance. Additionally, although drinking a liquidfrom the container is shown and described, it is to be understood thatthe present invention can be utilized with other consumable substancessuch as ice cream, etc.

FIG. 19 is another toy device 240 that can be attached to an existingcontainer 242 which holds a consumable substance 244 such as a liquid.The device 240 includes a housing 246 which has a first electrode 248and an indicator 250. The indicator 250 can emit either sound and/orlight. The device 240 also includes a second electrode 252 attached tothe lip of the container 242. The second electrode 252 can be a metalclip that is pushed onto the lip from the bottom of the container 242.

In operation, an end user comes into contact with the first electrode248 and places the second electrode 252 within their mouth whileconsuming the substance 244. The end user creates an electrical pathbetween the electrodes 248 and 252 which activates the indicator 250.The toy device shown in FIG. 19 operates without requiring contactbetween the consumable substance 244 and the second electrode 252.

FIG. 20 is an alternate embodiment of a toy device 260 which has a firstelectrode 262 and an indicator 264 located in the base 266 of acontainer 268. The first electrode 262 is connected to a secondelectrode 270 by an insulated wire 272. The toy 260 operates in the samemanner as the toy shown in FIG. 19. The device 260 can be adapted to beattached to an existing container, or incorporated into a new container.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a toy device 280 that is attached to a metal can282. The device 280 includes a housing 284 which contains a firstelectrode 286, a second electrode 288 and an indicator 290. Theindicator 290 emits sound and/or light. The housing 284 is constructedto be attached to the top of the can 282. The second electrode 288 is incontact with the top portion of the can 282. It being found that thesides of conventional aluminum cans have a layer of dielectric material.

In operation, an end user makes contact with the first electrode 286 andconsumes the substance within the can 282. The can 282, substance andend user create an electrical path between the electrodes 286 and 288that activates the indicator 290.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show another toy device 300 that can be attached to ametal can 302. The device 300 includes a C shaped housing 304 that canbe clipped onto the upper and lower lips of the can 302. The housing 304includes a first electrode 306, a second electrode 308 and an indicator310. The second electrode 308 is in contact with the bottom of the can302. Alternatively, the second electrode 308 can be in contact with thetop of the can 302. The device operates in the same manner as the deviceshown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

FIG. 25 shows another toy device 320 that can be attached to a metal can322. The toy device 320 includes a housing 324 which has a firstelectrode 326, a second electrode 328 and an indicator 330. The secondelectrode 328 is located adjacent to the opening 332 of the can 322. Inoperation, an end user makes contact with the first electrode 326 andplaces the second electrode 328 within their mouth while consuming thesubstance within the can 322. The end user creates an electrical pathbetween the electrodes 326 and 328 which activates the indicator 330.Like the devices shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the toy device 320 does notrequire contact between the second electrode 328 and the substance toactivate the indicator 330.

FIGS. 26 and 27 show a toy device 340 that is attached to a POPSICLE342. A POPSICLE 342 being defined as a frozen food item on a stick. Thedevice 340 includes a housing 344 which has a first electrode 346, asecond electrode 348 and an indicator 350. The housing 344 also includesan inner channel 352 that receives the stick 354 of the popsicle. Inoperation, the end user makes contact with the first electrode 346 andlicks the popsicle 342. The end user and licked popsicle create anelectrical path between the electrodes 346 and 348 that activates theindicator 350.

FIG. 28 shows a toothbrush 360 which has a first electrode 362, a secondelectrode 364 and an indicator 366. The first electrode 362 is locatedin the handle 368 of the toothbrush 360. The second electrode 364 islocated adjacent to the bristles 370 of the toothbrush 360. Inoperation, the end user makes contact with the first electrode 362 andplaces the bristles 370 and second electrode 364 in their mouth. The enduser creates an electrical path between the electrodes 362 and 364 thatactivates the indicator 366. As an alternate embodiment the secondelectrode 364 can be located within the bristles 370 of the toothbrush360. As an alternate embodiment, the electrodes 362 and 364 andindicator 366 may be mounted to a housing that is attached to anexisting toothbrush.

FIG. 29 shows a toy device 380 which includes a housing 382 that has apair of channels 384 and 386. A first electrode 388 is located withinthe first channel 384. A second electrode 390 is located within thesecond channel 386. The electrodes 388 and 390 are connected to anindicator 392 that can generate sound and/or light.

The housing 382 can be connected to a first straw 394 that is insertedinto a container 396 which contains a consumable substance 398 such as aliquid, and a second straw 400 that can be inserted into the mouth of anend user. In operation the end user draws the consumable substancethrough the straws 394 and 400, and both channels 384 and 386 of thehousing 382. The liquid creates an electrical path between theelectrodes 388 and 390 to activate the indicator 392.

FIGS. 30 and 31 show a toy device 410 which utilizes a switch 412 toactivate an indicator 414 that generates sound and/or light. The switch412 and indicator 414 are attached to a housing 416 that can be coupledto a pair of straws 418 and 420. The switch 412 is located within aninner channel 422 of the housing 416. The inner channel is in fluidcommunication with the straws 418 and 420. Straw 418 is placed within acontainer 424 which contains a consumable substance such as a liquid426.

In operation, an end user draws liquid through the straws 418 and 420,and the inner channel 422. The momentum of the liquid moves the switch412 into a closed position and activates the indicator 414.

It is to be understood that the term consumable substance refers to anysubstance that is consumed by a human being, including but not limitedto a liquid, a frozen liquid or a solid material. Consumed is to includebut not be limited to the acts of eating, drinking and licking.

What is claimed is:
 1. A toy that is used in conjunction with theconsumption of a food by an end user, comprising:a first electrode; asecond electrode; and, an indicator that is coupled to said first andsecond electrodes and is activated by the end user coming into contactwith the food wherein the end user becomes part of a closed circuitbetween said first and second electrodes.
 2. A toy that is attached to ametal can that contains a food that is consumed by an end user,comprising:a housing that is adapted to be attached to the can; a firstelectrode that is coupled to said housing; a second electrode that iscoupled to said housing; an indicator that is coupled to said first andsecond electrodes and is activated by the end user coming into contactwith the food wherein the end user becomes part of a closed circuitbetween said first and second electrodes.
 3. The toy as recited in claim2, wherein said housing is adapted to snap onto a lid of the can andsaid second electrode is in contact with the can.
 4. The toy as recitedin claim 2, wherein said housing has a C shape that snaps onto the can.5. The toy as recited in claim 2, wherein said second electrode islocated adjacent to an opening in the can.